Wiring a New Electric Range to an Old Circuit Video
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Our kitchen range has stopped working and we are purchasing a new electric range. Is our existing circuit wiring going to work with the new range? © By: Dave Rongey |
Electric Range
Electrical Question: Our kitchen range has died and we are purchasing a new electric range. Is our existing circuit wiring going to work?
- I appreciate any information you can provide. Our kitchen electric range has died and we are purchasing a new electric range.
- The Installation Instructions indicate that the electrical connection can be connected by means of permanent wiring, or power supply cord kit. The instructions also state that the range should be properly grounded, and that the electrical install should (must) be done by a qualified technician.
- I mention all this because the new range was just purchased online, and the range will be delivered and installed by the delivery crew and that the delivery install crew is qualified certified to do the electrical install.
- The existing range is hardwired to a 50amp 240v circuit. The existing wiring connection were installed in the 1980s. It is a three-wire configuration. The wire comes up through the floor, directly from the panel box.
- The question I have is should I have the installers install the range directly (permanent connection) to the existing wiring, or should I have them make the electrical connection via a receptacle and plug by using their plug kit and having them install a receptacle. Again, the installation instructions say that we can do it either way.
- If I prefer the plug in connection what options do we have regarding the receptacle? Since the wiring comes up through the floor can we attach a proper receptacle to the end of that wire, or do we need to reconfigure the wiring to accommodate the receptacle in a wall mounted or floor mounted junction box? Both of which would be difficult to do.
- And to be fully code compliant do we need to, should we, pull an independent ground wire from the panel box?
I can send some photos if it will be helpful. Thank you. The range will be delivered installed this Saturday.
This electrical wiring question came from Jerry in Colorado.
Jerry, Thank You for Visiting Ask-the-Electrician!
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Jerry.
How to Wire a New Range
Application: Wire a 50amp 240volt Electric Range Circuit.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Range, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Range should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in Colorado. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Wiring a Range in an Older Home
This electrical wiring project is about Wiring a Cord for a Range in the Kitchen of a Old Home.
Range Circuit Electrical Wiring
- Jerry, from the information you have provided, what you have is a typical range circuit for the age of your home. The circuit breaker for this circuit should be at the main electrical panel of your home which is why there is not a separate ground wire, because the ground wires and neutral wires are bonded together there at the main panel. Therefore the older homes were typically wired this way because that type of circuit was all the electric ranges required at that time.
- The deciding factor about the existing circuit and the compatibility with your new electric range will depend on the specific range that you purchased and if it specifically requires a dedicated ground wire which is also described as a 4-wire circuit. If this is true then a separate dedicated ground wire may be installed from the range location back to the main panel. However many new electric ranges allow the internal ground and neutral wires of the range to be bonded together allowing the existing circuit to be used as it is. The installation manual will provide the electrical specifications.
- As far as the connection of either a receptacle and cord, or a direct connection into the range, you could have either one, however it would be best to have the receptacle and cord connection to make it easier for disconnecting when needed.
See More about Wiring an Electric Range
Wiring a Kitchen Range Power Cord
Fully Described Electric Range Installation with a typical 220 Volt electric power cord wiring system. You may find yourself with either a 3-wire or 4-wire electric range. Lets look at how the electric range is wired and what to do if your cord does not match the plug.
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Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring
Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance. One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed. The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.
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Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how electrical outlets for the home are wired.
Guide to Home Electric Wiring Projects
Home Wiring Projects
Installing electrical wiring projects for safety and home improvements.
Electrical Grounding Methods and Requirements
Listing of electrical codes for grounding with examples of electrical grounding codes for home electrical wiring.
Electrical Junction Box Splice
Electrical junction box splices can be made safely when you understand the method. This example will show you how its done step by step and shows how to make a junction box splice and the related electrical codes.
Emergency Electrical Splices
Wiring Electrical Codes
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